Explore the region of Hokkaido in winter on this adventurous day trip from Sapporo. Marvel at the lively Asahiyam Zoo, picture the internet-famous trees of Biei, visit the magical Shirahige Falls, and Biei Blue Pond. If your tour falls on one of the dates the Asahiyam Zoo is closed, take comfort in the white gold hot spring as an alternative.

Begin your day by meeting your driver in Sapporo and heading straight to Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's northernmost zoo and a must-visit in winter, by bus. Explore the zoo and eat lunch at your own pace. Unlike many other zoos, the animals don't hide away during the cold season, so you can see them up close and personal.

Marvel at penguins taking a walk in the snow (from December to March), clumsy raccoons making faces, curious seals playing up and down the glass column, and monkeys snuggling with each other to keep warm.(If the zoo closed, the tour guide will arrange to white gold hot springs instead.)

Then, head to the fashionable Biei Christmas tree. Regardless of seasons and time, this tree is remarkable and well-known in Hokkaido. Take your time snapping photos of this internet icon.

Your next stop is Biei Blue Pond. Explore the pond, formed to intercept volcanic magma, marvelling at its striking blue colour. Interestingly, the colour of the water changes with its environment.

Next, continue to the Furano area and visit the roaring Shirahige Falls. Based 600 metres above sea level, located in the white gold hot spring town of Miei Town, the falls are named the “White Beard Falls” because of the white whisker-like water that pours down from the crevasses in the rocks.

Head back to Sapporo having had your fill of stunning nature in Hokkaido.